Chapter 12
Soon Christmas and New Years arrived and everyone gathered once again Tampa for the holiday's. Matt and Jeff were the only ones who had to fly back early due to Matt's annual party.
After the first of the year had passed, Stephanie was back to work along side John and John-John in tow. While she worked on storylines, she also worked online with Carol on the wedding plans. Kinley who was now back to work as well, already had a dress picked out for her matron of honor gown.
As the weeks and months passed, wedding plans became etched in stone and invitations were sent out. Soon it was John-John's first birthday. Stephanie and John just happened to be in North Carolina and John's parents drove down for the celebration. John-John smashed his personal cake all over his face while everyone laughed and cheered him on. Stephanie of course took tons of pictures.
The next six weeks were nothing but traveling and getting the last minute details of the wedding taken care of. Stephanie's dress was completely done and ready for their big day. The floral arrangements were ordered and the cake was selected.
The week of the wedding was extremely busy for both Stephanie and John. Last minute fittings and rehearsals. The rehearsal dinner was paid for by Matt and Jeff as a gift to their sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law.
The night before the wedding, John headed over to the hotel with his brothers, his dad, Gilbert, Matt and Jeff. All the ladies stayed at John's and Stephanie's house as the next morning was going to be super busy.
"Good morning, Mrs Cena." Kinley stated as she walked into Stephanie's room.
"10 more minutes please." Stephanie grumbled.
"Nope. You're getting married this afternoon and we have to be at the salon in 20 minutes." Kinley responded.
"I know. I can't wait to become Mrs. John Cena." Stephanie smiled.
Once Stephanie was dressed they all headed to the salon before heading to the park. Stephanie had her hair french braided and baby blue flowers weaved through her hair before putting her head piece on.
Once everyone was where they were supposed to be, Gilbert walked over to the car that Stephanie was in and knocked on the door. Stephanie opened the door and got out.
"Ready?" Gilbert asked his daughter.
"I've been ready, daddy." Stephanie answered.
"Shall we head that way?" Gilbert asked.
"Yes, please." Stephanie answered.
Gilbert walked Stephanie down the aisle towards John. He shook John's hand before placing Stephanie's hand in John's. Once Gilbert took his seat, the ceremony began.
"It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two life paths lead them to proceed together along the common path as husband and wife. It is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. This meeting and this growth bring us together today." The Minister stated. "John and Stephanie will you take vows here before all of us which symbolize the manifested vows you have already made and will continue to make to each other throughout your lives?"
"We will." Stephanie and John both responded.
"I, Stephanie, choose you John as my best friend, my love for life. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care, through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future, I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to love you, to commit to you, and support you. I pledge to respect your unique talents and abilities, to lend you strength for all of your dreams. You have shown me what love feels like and for that I thank you. You are everything I need and at this moment I know all of my prayers have been answered and that all of my dreams have come true. I praise God for you John: for all of your love and constant friendship. I know that our love is heaven sent and I promise to be here for ever and always. From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep." Stephanie recited her vows.
"What can I say to you that I haven't already said? What can I give you that I haven't already given? Is there anything of me that isn't yours already? My body, my mind, my heart, even my soul, Everything that is me belonged to you long before this, And it shall be yours long after this, I will follow you anywhere and everywhere you lead, Hand in hand and heart in heart." John recited his vows.
"The circle is the symbol of the sun, earth, and universe. It is the symbol of peace. Let this ring be the symbol of unity and peace in which your two lives are joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, return unto one another and to your togetherness." The Minister stated.
"I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity in steadfast love." John stated as he placed the ring on Stephanie's finger.
"I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity in steadfast love." Stephanie stated as she placed the ring on John's finger.
"You are mature people who have established individual patterns of living. Yet you have found not only a need for companionship, but the satisfaction of that need in each other's company. It is this love, based upon a responsible understanding, that will aid you in creating out of your two lives, a marriage and a happiness you will share together. Stand fast in hope and confidence, believing in yourself and believing in each other." The Minister stated. "
In as much as you two have come before your friends and family and have declared your love and devotion to each other, I now greet you with them as husband and wife."
John and Stephanie then shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Kinley handed the bouquet back to Stephanie just before she walked up the asile with John. After pictures were taken, everyone headed over to the reception hall.
Everyone had a blast at the reception. There was good food, drinks and lots of dancing. John and Stephanie couldn't stop smiling even if they wanted to. Matt and Carol took pictures for John and Stephanie so that they could make their own photo album later.
As the night came to an end, John tossed the garter and Jeff caught it. Stephanie tossed the bouquet and one of John's brother's girlfriends caught it. John and Stephanie changed clothes quickly and headed out to a waiting limo so they could start their honeymoon. Carol and John Sr. offered to stay with John-John while they were gone.
